Here's exactly how much money to ask for in a salary negotiation
"That one last conversation - where you negotiate salary - can unnerve even the most savvy job seeker."
If you're wondering how much to ask for in a salary negotiation without leaving a bad taste in the employer's mouth or losing the job offer, you're not alone.
"Many job candidates don't know what to ask for and end up leaving money on the table. You don't have to be one of them," Taylor says. "You'd be well served in your career to become comfortable with the process. You get one chance to accept a final compensation package at your company, so be prepared to make a persuasive argument."
So how do you stay true to your target without alienating the hiring manager or hurting your prospects?
First, to prepare for that discussion, you'll want to do your research ahead of time and figure out what someone with your experience and skills typically makes in this particular role.
Once you hear their offer and it's time to negotiate, you should keep those numbers in mind, "but also consider the nature of the first offer and how much bargaining power you think you have," Taylor says. And think about whether you're currently under- or overpaid.
As a general rule of thumb, however, it's usually appropriate to ask for 10% to 20% more than what you're currently making.
That means if you're making $50,000 a year now, you can easily ask for $55,000 to $60,000 without seeming greedy or getting laughed at.
"If the original offer is on the low side of the scale, you have more leverage," Taylor explains. "If you get an offer for 20% over your current salary, you can still negotiate for more - ask for an additional 5% - but know that you're already in good stead."
The bottom line: Do the math (and your research!) beforehand - know what a 10% to 20% pay increase would total, and what the going rate for someone with your skills is - and ask for that amount. Worst case scenario, the employer says "no."
NOW WATCH: 5 things you should never put on your résumé
- I spent $2,000 for 7 nights in a 179-square-foot room on one of the world's largest cruise ships. Take a look inside my cabin.
- One of the world's only 5-star airlines seems to be considering asking business-class passengers to bring their own cutlery
- Vodafone Idea FPO allotment – How to check allotment, GMP and more
- Vodafone Idea shares jump nearly 8%
- Indians can now get multiple entry Schengen visa with longer validity as EU eases norms
- Investing Guide: Building an aggressive portfolio with Special Situation Funds
- Markets climb in early trade on firm global trends; extend winning momentum to 3rd day running
- Impact of AI on Art and Creativity